Our hourly rates for emergency plumbing
These are our published maximum rates. They are the same in every region we cover, and you are quoted the figure before any work starts.
| When | Emergency plumbing, per hour |
|---|---|
| Booked in advance, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm | £144 |
| Call-out, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm | £180 |
| Evenings and nights, Mon–Sun 5pm–8am | £264 |
| Weekends, Sat–Sun 8am–5pm | £264 |
All rates exclude VAT and materials, and the full table for heating, gas, drainage and air conditioning is on the prices page.
What affects the final price
- Time of day. The same job costs more at 2am than at 2pm, because the rate is higher out of hours.
- How long it takes. There is a one-hour minimum, then time is charged in 30-minute units.
- Materials. Parts such as valves, pumps, seals and pipe are charged separately.
- The type of work. Drainage and jetting out of hours is £300 an hour, and heating and gas work is priced on its own scale.
- VAT. Rates are before VAT. Ask for the figure including VAT when you ring.
Two worked examples
A leaking tap isolator on a Tuesday afternoon, one hour. £180 labour plus VAT is £216, plus the part, which is usually a few pounds.
A burst pipe at 11pm on a Saturday, 90 minutes. One and a half hours at £264 is £396 plus VAT, which is £475.20, plus materials.
How to pay less without risking your home
- Turn the water off at the stop tap first. It stops the damage and often turns a night-time emergency into a job that can wait until morning.
- If the problem is a slow drip or a tap that will not close fully, book a weekday visit. Booked work is charged at the lowest rate.
- Have the problem clearly described when you call so the technician brings the right parts and finishes on the first visit.
Is the price fixed once the plumber arrives?
Yes. The figure you are given does not move once the technician is on site. If something genuinely different is found once a panel comes off, work stops and you are given a new price to accept or decline. Read more in our guide to call-out charges.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an emergency plumber per hour?
Our maximum emergency plumbing rate is £180 an hour on weekdays 8am to 5pm and £264 an hour evenings, nights and weekends, before VAT and materials.
Is there a minimum charge?
Yes, one hour on every job. After that, time is charged in 30-minute units.
Do the prices include VAT?
No, published rates are before VAT. Ask for the figure including VAT when you call and you will be given it.
Will the price change when the plumber arrives?
No. You are told the figure before work begins and it does not move unless something genuinely different is found, in which case you choose whether to go ahead.
